Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are a great way to add some additional personal space or income potential to your property. Homeowners often add this building to their properties for more room and better utilization of the area. It is important to hire qualified ADU builders specifically to construct a unit apart from the home.

However, there are multiple ADU designs you can consider, all of which depend entirely on your preferences and needs. To construct the perfect dwelling unit, you must ensure that you’re not only building something that fulfills your design desires but also something that adheres to strict building codes. That is a process that requires elaborate thinking and planning.

To aid you in your decision making process, here’s what you need to know before building an ADU for yourself.

What Is An Accessory Dwelling Unit?

Before construction starts, you must first acknowledge what qualifies as an ADU. Accessory Dwelling Units are small spaces you can construct on an area of your property and designate it to a singular purpose.

Uses Of An ADU:

• You can construct a dwelling unit for additional office space. It’s a great option for those who need a quiet workspace away from the distractions of the main house.
• You can build separate ADUs for guests and visitors to relax and stay in. These are perfect for people who are constantly hosting family or friends.
• It’s become very popular to construct an ADU and use it as a rental to make money.
• There is always the option of constructing a garage that is separate from the rest of your home. It would come in handy when you have to do something noisy.
• You can also use an ADU as an indoor cinema which would be great for entertaining.

Features Of A Well-Built ADU

Here are a few things you must keep in mind when you consider a design for your ADU.

Floorplan

Floorplans are always necessary for construction, especially for an ADU that will utilize a smaller space and potentially need to be multifunctional. You must first decide why you want an ADU and then think of a floor plan that will fit your exact needs.
Here are a few must-haves in an ADU.

• You must have a pantry in your ADU. A small fridge or a cabinet to store snacks will also work.
• Toiletries are essential for any building or residence. This is no different for an ADU.
• It must have electricity to run your appliances.
• A source of clean and usable water.

Size of Your ADU

Next, you must decide how many levels you desire to construct in your ADU. The maximum number of floors on an ADU is usually two.

Constructing a basement beneath the first floor of your ADU may be very effective in terms of storage. It also just adds excessive space to your home.

You can find comfort in the basement in conditions of turbulence such as an earthquake, a tornado, or any other natural disasters that are common in your area.

Basements are also very useful for storing food, additional appliances, and any other potential component that you aren’t using at the moment.

Exterior Design And Placement

The next step of construction would be to think of the visuals of your ADU. Remember, these are going to be an extension of your home so it’s important to keep aesthetics in mind. Installing large windows and glass doors is a popular option, but ultimately it will depend on what you intend to use the space for. An ADU that is used to house visiting family members will look much different than one that will be used as a personal workshop.

Everything from the flooring to the siding to the paint color will need to be carefully considered in order to maintain a congruent theme with your main house. These design choices will be of particular importance if you intend on renting out the space as a means of profit.

Flexible Choice Of Furniture

Use this opportunity to explore new choices in furniture and interior design elements. The furniture placement in your ADU must align with your intended use of the space.
There are many unique space-saving furniture options that are worth looking into when the time comes. Due to the overall smaller footprint, filling your ADU with furniture that includes built in storage spaces may be an option worth exploring.

Furnish your ADU in an eco-friendly and comfortable way that aids you in accomplishing your overall goal for the new space.

Benefits Of An ADU In Your Residence

Here are some reasons why you should build an ADU on your residential property.

• Increased Space:
  Whether it’s increased space for visitors, housing for a long term resident, a personal workshop or art studio, the main benefit to an ADU is the additional space it provides. How you utilize this space is limited only by your imagination.
• Rental Opportunities:
  In recent years it has become increasingly popular for people to rent out their ADUs as an additional profit stream. This is a great way to earn some extra cash, particularly in areas with higher costs of living where housing is at a premium.